Africa-Press – Eswatini. Mbabane Swallows………………………………(1) 1
Nsingizini Hotspurs……………………………. (1)2
They are on a serious mission.
Giants slayers Nsingizini Hotspurs claimed the scalp of another giant in Mbabane Swallows by beating the crowd pullers 2-1, a few weeks after gunning down defending champions Royal Leopards. The rookies landed a sucker punch in the face of the Mbabane giants in front of over 3 000 fans who cascaded the Mavuso Sports Centre to witness the crunch week eight encounter. This was Swallows first defeat in 26 matches.
The match lived up to the expectations as both sides took the match to each other with the countless attacks and the giants slayers did not make good use of the early chances.
The ‘Beautiful Birds ‘ drew first blood 16 minutes into the match through their Ugandan striker Bashir Mutanda, who provoked wild celebrations from the home fans with a stunner outside the box, which left the visiting goalkeeper Sibusiso Dlamini looking like new born kitten.
Nsingizini came out of their laurels after conceding as they threw all sort of ammunition to the opposition, forcing quick a save Sandile ‘Nkomishi’ Ginindza who kept out a dangerous effort from Mayibongwe ‘Suarez’ Mabuza, a few minutes later.
The visitors levelled matters before the breather through the national Under 20 youngster Mabuza who tapped home a Meshack Lushaba cross who made a good darting run after dispossessing Siphosethu Mabilisa before delivering a low cross to Mabuza, who made no mistake.
Nsingizini pressed the home side within the opening five minutes after the second stanza, but they were let down by poor finishing. Swallows veteran talisman Felix ‘Fela’ Badenhorst was unlucky not to score after the hour mark, when his glancing header agonisingly went wide.
The two pair of coaches introduced some fresh legs deep into the last half in search of the elusive winner. Swallows were reduced to 10 men with nine minutes remaining on the clock when Sierra Leonean international Kabia Mohammed was sent off by referee Letticia Vienna following a foul on the marauding Thubelihle Mavuso.
Gerrard Phiri was rewarded by his second half substitutes Mancoba Vilakati and Melusi ‘Vardy Thwala, who combined well to give the Shiselweni-based side the late winner through Vilakati, who blasted home a flick on header from Thwala with a well taken volley to break the hearts of the Birds faithful.
The goal was enough to take Nsingizini to the second spot as the female FIFA accredited referee ended the contest much to the delight of the jubilant motley visiting fans on the opposite grandstand.
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